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Ducks cleaned up after mineral oil spill return to the wild

By Christopher ReynoldsStaff reporter

Thu., July 16, 2015

Nearly three dozen ducks waddled out of their crates and flew free into the Humber marshes Thursday, freshly cleansed of the oil that seeped into the watershed earlier this week and caused the death of at least three mallards.

More than 75 ducks and two sandpipers remained at the Toronto Wildlife Centre Thursday night, some with feathers still steeped in mineral oil after a transport truck rolled on a Highway 427 ramp near Highway 401 Monday evening.

The oil weighs down their feathers and can be fatal when ingested. Since Tuesday morning, Toronto Wildlife crews have been scouring the river and shorelines for distressed ducks, which tend to flee the toxic water for sanctuary on shore.

“You’ve got to be a little sneaky, and really fast and quiet,” said Toronto Wildlife rescue team member Stacey Freeman, who deploys a salmon net — similar to a dog catcher’s — to snag the birds on land.

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Transported by crate and van to the Toronto Wildlife Centre in Downsview Park, the ducks undergo a “rigorous three-bath system” that involves dish detergent, a vigorous scrub — including a toothbrush for the head — and a warm rinse.

Some lucky ducks are already molting, facilitating the process, said rescue team leader Andrew Wight.

He said “several” ducks have died, but did not specify a number.

Several ducklings will have to remain at the facility until they are able to fly, which will be several more weeks, he added.

An Alberta man has been charged with careless driving by the Ontario Provincial Police.

Toronto water division crews are working to contain the spill along the Humber River, corralling and vacuuming up pockets of surface oil.

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